Kaye Applewaite

Last night, following the senior's fashion show in the afternoon, Parsons hosted a benefit dinner at Pier 60. The benefit served many purposes: to raise money for Parsons' scholarships, honor Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez and Bonnie Brooks, President of Hudson's Bay Company, showcase the senior class' designs, and announce the Designers of the Year. That's a lot to pack into one evening--and it was a long one!--but considering the benefit raised nearly $1.7 million for scholarships it was completely worth it. We caught up with attendees Prabal Gurung and Proenza Schouler as well as Parsons grad Harim Jung, who took home the womenswear designer of the year awards and the Kering Empowering Imagination Award. Read on.

Parsons has given us an exclusive first look at this year's Designer of the Year candidates in women's wear--and considering that past winners have included Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler, you'll definitely want to get a sneak peek at these designs--and hear from these young designers themselves